On the surface, masturbation seems relatively simple. Guys who want to get a little private pleasure can just grab on and get moving. In reality, however, a few steps done the wrong way can do a lot of damage to a man's vital organ, and that could result in diminished penis health; in fact, the wrong approach can lead to loss of sensation, a problem no man wants to experience. That's why it pays to learn more about what a guy should do, and what he should avoid, when he's getting in some private pleasure time.

Things Not to Do

For some men, masturbation works best when there's no lubricant involved. The feeling of friction is just a little more intense, and it tends to deliver an orgasm that's harder to forget. Unfortunately, this practice is terrible for the skin. The skin-on-skin action involved in a session like this can strip away healthy cells and leave the tissues feeling raw and incredibly sore.

On the flip side, some men get creative with their lubricants, and they add in all sorts of weird and wild household substances, including:

- Muscle-soothing creams

- Soaps with exfoliating beads

- Hot oils

- Toothpaste

Novelty like this can come with a big price tag, as these substances can wreak havoc on sensitive skin. At the end of a session like this, men could have a burn down below that simply won't go away.

Skipping the lubricant, or using unconventional lube, can lead to pain. But sometimes, pain comes from the speed and the strength a man uses as he masturbates. A so-called death grip, in which the blood is trapped in the head of the penis, can lead to painful swelling. Similarly, moving that hand quickly can lead to a burning sensation as tissue begins to crack and break apart.

Things to Try

Obviously, using a lubricant should be at the top of a man's to-do list, and that lubricant should be specifically made for intimate play. Products like this are designed to stay smooth and slick, no matter how hard a man might choose to work. They're also designed to wash away, so a man isn't left with a sticky residue that could hurt his skin. For men who don't want leftover pain, a lubricant is an absolute must.

In addition, a steady, slow and loose grip can also be a good choice for a masturbation session for a health-conscious guy. This is the sort of posture that can deliver pleasure without torturing the skin and the nerve cells of the penis. If it's not the sort of grip that can make a man head to the brink, he might consider adding in some visual cues. Movies, magazines and more can help to engage the sexual part of the brain, and that could work with the touch to make pleasure come all the easier.

Choosing to pace masturbation sessions might also be an excellent healing step. The body sometimes needs to rest after pleasure, so men who work to allow their skin to heal just a touch after masturbation could walk away with laps that are healthier and a lot less painful. There's no reason for men to skip masturbation altogether, but choosing to let the skin heal between sessions, particularly if the skin is sore, could be a good move.

Boosting healing is easier for men who pay attention to penis health. A penis health crème(health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can help. These products are designed to supply the tool with the nutrients and soothing agents that can support the long-term health of the skin, as well as the nerves that support that skin. A daily application of a quality product can help the penis to stay healthier, so it's more likely to rebound if a man falls back into his old, bad habits.